Ed Rutkowski

Ed Rutkowski

Career history
AFL Buffalo Bills
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Edward John Anthony Rutkowski (born March 21, 1941 in Kingston, Pennsylvania) is a former American football player, and a former politician in Buffalo, New York. Rutkowksi was a noted college and professional American football player. A wide receiver, he was an American Football League All-Star in 1965, playing for the AFL's Buffalo Bills as a receiver, defensive back, punt and kickoff return man and backup quarterback from 1963 to 1968. In a famous Topps football card mixup, Rutkowski was shown on two Buffalo Bills' football cards, his own, and mistakenly on the card for Ray Abruzzese.

In 1979, he became the County Executive of Erie County, New York, succeeeding Edward Regan, who stepped down to become New York State Comptroller. Rutkowski was elected to full terms in 1979 and 1983, following his one year unexpired term, for a total of nine years in office. In 1987, Rutkowski was defeated for reelection by Assemblyman Dennis Gorski, who, in his election campaign, claimed that Rutkowski had mismanaged county finances and spent the county into a deficit.

In 1995, Rutkowski was appointed by Gov. George Pataki as deputy commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. In this post, he was charge of all state parks and recreations operations in Western New York, including Niagara Falls. He held the post for 12 years, until Pataki left office.

He was the second quarterback from the Bills to enter politics; the first was his teammate Jack Kemp.

See also

• Other American Football League players

Allegations that Edward Rutkowski mismanaged Erie County into a deficit amount to a perception that the results of need were intended by Mr. Rutkowski, when the lack of sufficient funds was the problem. Mr. Rutkowski Made Erie County a better place during his time served as county executive. Mr. Rutkowski's dedicated mission statement of a emphasis on community service and development was theme while practicing effective fiscal management.

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External links

......................................................................................................................................................................................................*Rutkowski's 1964 Topps football card

• Ray Abruzzese's 1964 Topps football card with Rutkowski's photo

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Cattt:1941 births politan area]] Categorjui y:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players Categywory:Buffalo Bills (AFL) players Catego i y:New York R dg epubd licans